Al Fayha 2-3 Al Ahli SC produced a dramatic Saudi Professional League finish as the visitors came from behind and then edged a five-goal thriller in the closing stages. The match swung repeatedly, with Al Fayha’s energetic start, Al Ahli’s quality in possession and a late decisive moment settling a contest that had the feel of a top-half showdown.

Match overview

Al Fayha began with purpose in front of their home support, pressing high and looking to attack through the wide areas. That approach paid off early when Fashion Sakala found space inside the penalty area and finished calmly to give the hosts a deserved lead. Al Ahli, however, gradually settled into their rhythm and began to control possession through midfield, forcing Al Fayha deeper as the first half wore on.

The equaliser arrived from the penalty spot, with Riyad Mahrez converting confidently after Al Ahli had worked the ball into a dangerous position. That goal changed the momentum of the Saudi Professional League encounter, and the visitors started the second half with greater authority, moving the ball quickly and stretching Al Fayha’s defensive line.

Key moments

• 12 minutes: Al Fayha take the lead through Fashion Sakala after a quick attacking move down the right.
• 24 minutes: Al Ahli equalise from the penalty spot, with Riyad Mahrez sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
• 56 minutes: Roberto Firmino puts Al Ahli ahead, finishing a flowing move with a composed strike inside the box.
• 68 minutes: Al Fayha respond through Anthony Nwakaeme, whose header brings the home side level at 2-2.
• 85 minutes: Franck Kessié scores the winner for Al Ahli, arriving late in the box to convert a low cross.

Tactical story

Al Fayha’s plan was built on intensity. They pressed Al Ahli’s first line, tried to force turnovers in midfield and looked to release their forwards quickly. For long spells in the first half, that strategy worked well, and the home side created several promising situations from wide positions. The early goal gave them confidence, but it also invited Al Ahli to slow the tempo and impose their own possession game.

Al Ahli’s response was measured rather than frantic. Their midfielders rotated the ball patiently, drawing Al Fayha out of shape before finding passes into the half-spaces. The introduction of fresher legs in the second half added another layer of control, and the visitors’ winning goal came from exactly the kind of sustained pressure they had been building. Al Fayha, to their credit, remained dangerous on the counter and twice restored parity, but they could not hold on for a point.

Standout performers

Mahrez was central to Al Ahli’s attacking rhythm, linking play on the right and delivering the penalty with characteristic composure. Firmino’s movement caused problems throughout, while Kessié’s late run into the box proved decisive. For Al Fayha, Sakala’s pace and directness gave the home side an outlet all evening, and Nwakaeme’s equaliser underlined his importance in the air and inside the penalty area.

What the result means

The three points strengthen Al Ahli’s position in the upper reaches of the Saudi Professional League standings and reinforce their ability to win tight matches away from home. For Al Fayha, the performance offered plenty of encouragement, but the result leaves them frustrated after twice fighting back into the game. In a league where fine margins often decide the race for continental places, this was a reminder of how costly small defensive lapses can be.